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People joined the army as soon as it was opened up to all citizens because of the financial advantages. There was steady work for either 15 or 20 years (depending on the time) and a share of the loot, which after a successful campaign, was divided among the legion. This share of the loot and any bonuses the man would receive was put into a mandatory saving account for him. He could also look foreword, at least in the early days, of getting a land grant at the end of his service. Even though his basic pay was rather low, and he had to pay for his food and clothing and his share of any camp celebrations, and for his share of the food for the contubernium's mule, he still could retire from the army a fairly wealthy man. There were other factors as well, such as patriotism or perhaps a little trouble with the law that motivated a man to join up.
For most it was not a choice and they were drafted into it. The ones that enlisted by choice were normally people trying to make a name for themselves. Some came from a noble family and likely was in a officer position.

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10y ago

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